Bridging the Gap: DEI Efforts for Women in Dentistry

In Inspiration by Azriel Crews

DEI is not just a buzzword; it’s about breaking down barriers, empowering women, and shaping a brighter future for the dental field.

So, what’s DEI all about? Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has gained increasing recognition and importance within the dental world in recent years, reflecting broader societal shifts towards embracing diversity and promoting equity and inclusion. At its core, DEI is about promoting diversity among dental professionals, ensuring fair and equitable access to resources, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive. In celebration of Dental Diversity Month, we’re diving deep into how DEI initiatives are making major waves for women in dentistry.

DEI Initiatives for Women in Dentistry

Across the country, there’s been a surge of fantastic DEI initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering women in dentistry. These range from mentorship programs to flexible work solutions, addressing the unique challenges women face while helping them shine.

Take the Lucy Hobbs Project by Benco Dental, for instance. This initiative offers networking events, educational programs, and awards that celebrate the achievements of women in dentistry. It’s a brilliant platform for collaboration, mentorship, and inspiration.

Lack of work flexibility is common among professional women, particularly those with children. Staffing platforms like onDiem offer flexible employment solutions for dental hygienists, assistants, and front office staff. Flexible scheduling empowers women to pursue their professional goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, benefiting dental practices and contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive dental workforce.

Additionally, onDiem stands out by providing an extensive suite of W-2 benefits and protections—including comprehensive health insurance for temporary workers and Care Benefits, which may cover essential expenses like childcare and women’s health services. This ensures that women in dentistry feel stable and cared for in all aspects of their lives.

The Importance of Intersectionality

Let’s talk about intersectionality— how different aspects of our identities (like race, gender, ability, and sexual orientation) overlap and shape our experiences. Intersectionality plays a crucial role in shaping women’s experiences in dentistry. For women of color in dentistry, navigating systemic racism, discrimination, and cultural biases can pose significant hurdles to career advancement and representation. Similarly, LGBTQIA+ women encounter workplace discrimination, lack of legal protections, and a lack of visibility within the profession. And while much attention has rightly been placed on gender, race, and sexual orientation, the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities in dentistry are often overlooked.

Seeking Solutions

Thankfully, there are incredible organizations making a difference. The Gender and Sexual Diversity in Dentistry Alliance (GSDDA) at UCSF Dentistry, founded in 2008, provides free dental screenings and oral health information to the LGBTQIA+ community through events and partnerships with organizations like Queer Life Space. The GSDDA also fosters a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students in dental education and advocates for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ dentists in the profession. Since achieving state and national nonprofit status in 2022, they’re planning to expand their reach even further.

Many members of marginalized groups find solidarity by creating communities specifically designed for those who share the same lived experiences. Sistahs In Dentistry, founded by Sharel S. Sly, DDS, is an amazing network of over 3200 professionals dedicated to creating a haven for Black women in dentistry to connect. Sistahs in Dentistry grants women access to valuable resources for their growth and career development while fostering community with other Black women in dentistry. Similar organizations like BrownGirl, RDH, founded by Martelle Coke, offer mentorship and networking opportunities aimed at diversifying the industry.

Women with disabilities also deserve more attention in DEI conversations. According to 2020 data from the Center for Disease Control, approximately 36 million women in the United States have a disability. Despite their numbers, women with disabilities encounter numerous barriers in accessing dental education, training, and practice opportunities. The American Dental Association (ADA) acknowledges the importance of disability inclusion in dentistry and offers resources to support dental professionals with disabilities. Accessibility is a primary concern, and it’s crucial for facilities and equipment to be accessible. Schools and practices can provide things like wheelchair ramps, adjustable treatment chairs, and assistive technologies to serve disabled communities better.

And then there’s the work of activism and advocacy. Advocating for systemic change and policy reforms is essential for addressing the structural inequities perpetuating discrimination and marginalization. This involves supporting legislative initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of marginalized individuals in the workplace, advocating for diversity initiatives within dental organizations and institutions, and promoting cultural competency training to address unconscious biases and encourage inclusivity.

Looking Ahead…

There are many exciting DEI initiatives on the horizon aimed at further supporting and empowering women in dentistry. From expanding mentorship programs to promoting leadership opportunities, these initiatives seek to build upon existing efforts and create a more equitable and inclusive profession.

onDiem recently partnered with Women in DSO, furthering its commitment to empowering women in the dental support organization industry. Women in DSO’s mission is to empower and support women who work within the DSO industry, facilitating their professional growth, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The organization strives to address women’s unique challenges and opportunities in the dental industry, providing resources, mentorship, and education to help them succeed and thrive in their careers.

Prominent dental schools such as NYU Dentistry have implemented diversity and inclusion training programs for students and faculty. These programs educate participants about the importance of DEI in dentistry, raise awareness about unconscious biases, and promote cultural competency. By equipping dental professionals with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive environments, these initiatives are driving positive change within the profession.

DEI is not just a concept; it’s an ever-evolving journey towards a more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant world. By championing diversity, addressing inequities, and empowering women in dentistry, we can create a profession that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve.

References:

  1. American Dental Association. Diversity and Inclusion Principles. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/about/principles/diversity-and-inclusion
  2. “Accessibility in Dental Education: Insights from Students with Physical Disabilities,” Journal of Dental Education, April 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5876462/